Cancer Survivors Parks

With the goal of extending the Cancer Survivors Day Rally from a once-a-year event to a daily happening, the Cancer Survivors Park was conceived. To all who pass it and see the sign, it is meant to give a subconscious message that death and cancer are not synonymous so that when they are subsequently diagnosed, they will try to fight it rather than giving up. To newly diagnosed patients, it is meant to give hope and courage. To those in the process of fighting the disease, it is meant to give directions and determination. To those who have not had cancer, it is meant to reduce fear.

Rancho Mirage, California park

There are three factors present in each Park. First is a positive mental attitude walk with 14 bronze plaques, four inspirational and 10 instructional. Second is a sculpture of eight life-size bronze figures passing through a maze representing cancer treatment. The five before the maze show fear, hope and determination in their faces while the three after are laughing and happy, representing successful treatment. Third is a “Road to Recovery” consisting of seven plaques explaining what cancer is and basic actions to successfully overcome the disease.

The Foundation provided money for the construction of the Park including funding perpetual maintenance. There are 25 parks located in the U.S. and Canada. Each Park is individually designed to complement the surrounding area.

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2 Replies to “Cancer Survivors Parks”

I am hoping I have reached the correct people to discuss the Bloch Cancer Survivors Parks. I wish to inquiry on my interest in working towards establishing such a space in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada.

After being diagnosed with cancer twice, I have always remembered my visits to the Cancer Survivors Park in Mississauga, Ontario Canada. My memories of how this park gave me such peace and calmness during such an uncertain period in my life have never left me. Since moving to Nova Scotia, this park has been on my mind more and more with each passing day. I can never forget the impact that “Cancer, there is hope” element of the park and how it touched me to my very core with hope that this battle was winnable. There are so many people in my life, both family and friends that have battled this disease (my husband currently had kidney cancer surgery in April of this year). Some have won their journey and others have not! But NONE have had the opportunity to experience time spent at a Cancer Survivors Park in their own province. These Parks truly elevates the patient experience during what can be a very difficult time for patients and families.

I know the R.A. Bloch Foundation has made both the Ottawa and Mississauga parks possible with generous funding to establish the parks and I hope your foundation will consider establishing such a space in Nova Scotia. I am not sure if this needs to be initiated through government channels but I am willing to contact all three levels of governments; I have a professional landscaping company whose owner has lost his father through cancer that has expressed sincere interest in contributing to this space.

I am hoping you can help me on how to start the process (or if you can give me the correct contact information necessary). This is something I am very passionate about and know with the help of others a Cancer Survivors Park in Halifax can become a reality.

Thank You for your time. I look forward to hearing from someone from the Foundation who can help with making this dream a reality.